Embark on a Fulfilling Career: Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the Lexington VA

Are you looking for a career that offers more than just a paycheck? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a place where your professional skills directly contribute to the mission of serving those who have served our country. The Lexington VA Medical Center is currently accepting applications for an Advanced Medical Support Assistant (MSA), a role that stands at the intersection of clinical care and administrative excellence.

Job Responsibilities

As an Advanced Medical Support Assistant, you are the face of our clinic operations. Your role involves much more than basic scheduling; you are a vital member of the patient-care team. Key duties include:

Patient Coordination: Proactively scheduling, canceling, and re-scheduling appointments while managing electronic waitlists.
Operational Oversight: Monitoring clinical utilization reports to ensure clinic resources are maximized and patient flow is efficient.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Serving as a bridge between physicians, nursing staff, psychologists, and social workers to resolve administrative hurdles.
Information Management: Handling sensitive medical insurance information, updating demographics, and promoting the use of My HealtheVet portals.
Leadership: Acting as a preceptor and trainer for developmental-level MSAs, ensuring high standards of clinical operations.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet specific criteria:

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Education	High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Experience	One year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level.
Security	Must pass a background/suitability investigation.
Medical	Must participate in the annual influenza vaccination program.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a highly competitive compensation package. The salary range for this position is $47,779 to $62,112 per year. Beyond the salary, our federal benefits are among the best in the nation:

Paid Time Off: Between 37 and 50 days of total leave per year, including annual leave, sick leave, and 11 paid federal holidays.
Retirement: Access to a traditional federal pension and a 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching up to 5%.
Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs that you can often carry into retirement.
Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after your first year.
Childcare: Eligibility for childcare subsidies based on family income.

Application Tips

The VA hiring process is thorough. To maximize your chances, follow these expert tips:

Be Detailed: Use the official VA Clinical Resume document. General descriptions like "I was a Medical Support Assistant" are insufficient. Define your specific duties and the impact of your work.
Quantify Your Work: Mention the volume of patients you handled or the complexity of the scheduling systems you managed.
Formatting Matters: Upload all necessary transcripts and, if you are a federal employee, your most recent SF-50 to avoid delays.

Working as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant at the Lexington VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to excellence in patient support. With a competitive salary, robust benefits, and a culture centered on helping our Veterans, this role offers a stable and rewarding career path. If you are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to prepare your application today and join a team that values your talent and your dedication to the mission.

Why This Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Matters

Support the heroes who served our nation by joining the Lexington VA Medical Center team as an Advanced Medical Support Assistant.

Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job Overview

The Lexington VA Medical Center is seeking a dedicated Advanced Medical Support Assistant to join our Ambulatory Care and Processing Section. In this vital role, you will serve as a cornerstone of patient care, managing interdisciplinary clinic operations, coordinating scheduling, and ensuring our Veterans receive the efficient, compassionate service they deserve. You will work across the Cooper Drive and Leestown Road divisions, providing critical administrative support in a fast-paced, teaching-hospital environment.

Requirements for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

U.S. Citizenship
High school diploma or GED equivalent
Proficiency in written and spoken English
Ability to undergo a background and security investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program
Completion of a one or two-year trial period

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level
Advanced knowledge of clinical scheduling systems and patient flow management
Experience with interdisciplinary coordinated care delivery models
Strong proficiency in medical terminology
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for patient and clinician interaction

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓37-50 days of paid time off (annual, sick, and federal holidays)
✓Comprehensive Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance
✓Traditional Federal pension and 401(k) retirement plan with agency matching
✓Paid parental leave after 12 months
✓Childcare subsidy program for eligible employees

💡 How to Apply Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Support Assistant (Advanced) Job

Review the full job announcement and requirements.
Prepare your resume using the VA-provided standard Clinical Resume document format.
Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
Complete the occupational questionnaire.
Upload your resume, transcripts, and any required eligibility documentation.
Submit your application package before the deadline on September 30, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Be specific in your resume—include duties, job titles, and the hours worked per week for every position listed.
Ensure your resume reflects the specific skills mentioned in the job duties section.
Use the standard Clinical Resume document provided by the VA to ensure your application is processed correctly.
Double-check that all required documentation, such as transcripts or SF-50s, is uploaded before submission.
Monitor your email for status updates after the announcement closes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior medical experience required?

To qualify at the GS-6 level, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level involving complex administrative and scheduling tasks.

Can I work remotely for this position?

No, this is not a virtual or remote position. It requires physical presence at the Lexington VA Medical Center.

Are Veterans' preference rules applicable?

Under 38 U.S.C. § 7412, the requirement to apply Veterans' preference to external applicants is waived for this specific occupation during Fiscal Year 2026 due to staffing shortages.

What is the work schedule?

The shifts are generally Monday through Friday, 7:30am–4:00pm or 8:00am–4:30pm, though tours may vary based on clinic needs.

Is there promotion potential?

The full performance level for this role is GS-06.

What if I have prior military experience?

Your military service experience may count toward your annual leave accrual rates.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Lexington VA Medical Center is a premier, two-division teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Kentucky Medical Center. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive health care to our Veterans. Our facilities span the Cooper Drive and Leestown Road locations, offering everything from primary care and emergency services to specialized surgical and psychiatric care. When you join our team, you become part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary network committed to "Whole Health" for our nation's heroes.